THE short life of Harlow residents, John Wood.

This project is brought to you by Harlow Council Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

John Wood

John’s parents were William Wood, born in Harlow in c.1866 and Harriett Hampton, born in Sawbridgeworth in 18701. They married in Sawbridgeworth in 18902 and John Wood was born in Harlow in early 18943.

The 1901 census shows the family living at Netteswell Cross. William was working as a fireman in an engineering factory. The 1911 census shows the family living in four rooms at 2 The Malt Houses, Netteswell Cross. William was listed as a furnace man at a marine engineering factory. William and Harriett had 11 children, 10 of whom were still living at the time of the census. John’s siblings were Walter, Charles, Ernest, Robert, Florence, Ida, Violet, Sidney and Herbert. The children were all born in Netteswell Cross. John was working as a ‘core maker’s apprentice’ at the time of the census.

Private John Wood, L/16087, enlisted in Stratford and joined The 4th Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers, City of London Regiment. John served with the Expeditionary Force in France.

John was listed in the De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour as reported as missing, assumed killed on 10 November 1914 at the age of 20. It later transpired that John had been killed on 20 October 1914 and is buried in Caberet-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, France. Plot 27, row H, grave 24. Register Index Number Fr.924.